BT Tower's rooftop pool plan brings swimmers back down to earth

London's famous BT Tower is set to house a rooftop swimming pool, according to plans submitted by developer MCR Hotels. However, the view from the water may not be as breathtaking as initially imagined. The proposal encompasses the Grade II-listed tower and surrounding structures, incorporating a new public square, shops, and restaurants.

The developer's images suggest bathers would view the tower from a rooftop, rather than swimming with an expansive vista of the city. MCR Hotels plans to reopen the tower's upper floors to the public for the first time in decades. The planning application comes after two rounds of public consultation, during which feedback helped refine the proposals.

MCR Hotels' chairman and CEO, Tyler Morse, emphasized the project's goal to preserve the tower's historical significance while modernizing its future. The BT Tower, originally called the Post Office Tower, was constructed in 1964 to host microwave antennas for transmitting telecommunication signals across London. Rumors circulated that the iconic structure was omitted from maps due to its central role in the UK's national telecoms network, a myth debunked by Ordnance Survey maps from the 1970s and 1980s.

If approved, the project could begin in 2029 upon BT's departure and conclude with a public opening in 2033.